If you’re set on a holiday amongst tall peaks and vast lakes, the natural next question is what time of year should you plan a trip to Queenstown. The unhelpful but true answer is any time, but don’t give up the research just yet.
Each season in Queenstown offers something entirely different that can alter the events, weather, and activities that fill your trip. Here’s what to expect during each season in Queenstown to help you plan a visit that best fits you and your travel buddy’s idea of a good time.
Summer – December to February
Events
Summer in Queenstown is the ‘it’ season for outdoor concerts and festivals. Enjoying a cold drink in the afternoon sun to the tune of live music is a staple of the summer months in New Zealand. Queenstown is proud to host events like the Gibbston Valley Summer Concert, outdoor weekend markets like the Remarkables Market and Arrowtown Market, and Kawarau Bungy Centre events hosted by party legends AJ Hackett Bungy.
Weather
December to February are the hottest months in New Zealand, with Queenstown seeing temperatures between 20-30°C during the day and mild temperatures in the evenings. Although there’s some wet and windy days peppered into the summer months, a good Kiwi summer is hot and best spent outdoors.
Activities
December, January and February have the perfect mild climate for beginner hikers to enjoy the hundreds of trails of varying difficulty scattered across Queenstown and the surrounding areas. You still need to be prepared for the weather to change, but the summer temperatures are far more comfortable and forgiving than other seasons. Summer is also the peak season for Great Walks with serviced huts and lots of fellow hikers to meet.
With a comfortable climate (even slightly hot) for most other outdoor activities, summer in New Zealand is the time to be frolicking outdoors and swimming in cold mountain lakes to cool off.
Winter – June to August
Events
The parties don’t stop when winter hits Queenstown, some would say the place even comes alive! Events like Winter Pride, Matariki celebrations, and the 2024 Winter Games all keep the music and good vibes turned right up even if the temperatures aren’t.
Weather
Winter in Queenstown is chilly. It ranges from 5-10°C during the day with temperatures dropping below 0°C at night. The cold can be completely manageable when you’re prepared with a few good layers, which then opens up a whole new winter wonderland to enjoy. There’s the odd snow day in town, but often the snow keeps to the peaks, mountains, and high roads (watch out for frost if you’re driving around Queenstown).
Activities
Of course if you’re keen on snowsports, the ski resorts of Queenstown are the place to be in winter from June to August; The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, and Cardrona. If you want to enjoy the mountains without hitting the slopes, tubing at Snow Farm and sightseeing at the resorts with a gondola pass are just as fun. In winter, Hiking and mountaineering gets serious and is a challenging yet thrilling environment for experienced trampers. Don’t have the experience but still fancy the challenge? There’s plenty of guiding companies that will get you outdoors and back safely in colder months.
Spring – September to November
Lake front in Spring.
DQ Full Use. DQ commissioned shoot.
Photographer Jordan Ranson.
Events
In the transition season between winter and summer, high profile events like Snow Machine keep the good times rolling with apres all day. Family friendly events like outdoor markets also kick off from September.
Weather
Spring in Queenstown sees the days begin to warm up to between 13°C-18°C with a few chilly nights thrown in. Daylight savings begins in September in New Zealand, meaning the sunset gets later and the days get longer from spring onwards.
Activities
The shoulder seasons could be considered the best time for more intensive outdoor sports like mountain biking as the days can still be beautiful and clear while the temperatures don’t soar to summer heights while out being active. If the climate is right, snow on the mountains hangs around long enough for some crisp yet clear spring skiing and is considered a great time to ski or snowboard in Queenstown.
Autumn – March to May
Events
With the beauty of autumn something to celebrate, the Arrowtown Autumn Festival definitely deserves a mark in your calendar if you’re visiting during April. The outdoor weekend markets continue throughout the beginning of Autumn in Queenstown and there’s a few sporting events like the Motatapu to get caught up in, whether you’re watching or amongst the action.
Weather
Autumn in Queenstown also has temperatures between 13°C-18°C. Autumn has all of the best mild shoulder season weather with the added bonus of gorgeous colours peppering the trees as the leaves fall.
Activities
Visiting Arrowtown in Autumn is a must-do; the historic town is covered in deciduous trees that light up with sunset hues, bringing even more magic to a town frozen in time. You can take a walk or explore the Arrow River Bridges Trail from Arrowtown to Gibbston.
We may be biased, but Queenstown is a fantastic destination no matter when you visit. Whether you’re into snowy winter peaks, sunny summer adventures, or something in between, there are always activities and events to ensure you have a memorable time in Central Otago.